Managing Chaos: Tools to Set Priorities and Make Decisions Under Pressure

Welcome to the reality that most professionals face today. Chaos is the norm, not the exception. This seminar provides proven solutions for managing chaotic situations and limiting the negative consequences they bring. First, you will discover how to channel the energy of a fast-paced, sometimes chaotic workplace to avoid becoming overwhelmed when circumstances spiral outward. You will gain exposure to many approaches that will help you rethink your response to chaos and harness your resources to address difficult challenges as they emerge. Experience practical application of tools for ranking tasks and adapting to changing priorities with increased confidence and clarity. Learn methods for examining, solving, and addressing problems while communicating your approach effectively. You will finish this course confident and equipped to use the most suitable strategies to clarify, reduce, and remove chaos within your sphere of control, as well as better handle your reactions to chaos beyond your control.

How You Will Benefit:

• Recognize constructive outcomes from high-pressure, unpredictable situations
• Identify and change the chaos you can influence
• Rank your daily activities by importance
• Make firm choices when circumstances shift
  Use systematic methods to analyze issues and pick solutions
• Navigate interruptions and competing demands with greater capability
• Express your priorities and needs assertively

PRIMARY GOALS

• Identify Chaos That Is Within Your Influence
• Make Selections Based on Comprehensive Analysis
• Order Your Activities by Their Value and Urgency
• Communicate Needs Assertively When Circumstances Shift
• Select and Apply Appropriate Tools to Address the Situation

SECTION ONE

Understanding Your Work Environment

• Ask Clarifying Questions to Understand How Organizational Pressures Affect Managers and Staff
• Identify Sources of Disorder That Can Be Reduced, Clarified, or Eliminated

Analyzing and Solving Problems

• Develop Varied Ideas Creatively and Rapidly
• Find the Core Causes of Difficulties
• Sort Multiple Concepts Into Meaningful Categories for Better Understanding
• Pick an Approach to Address the Chaos in the Situation

SECTION TWO

Establishing Priorities and Making Decisions

• Examine Multiple Elements to Help You Decide What Matters Most
• Find What Needs to Change to Move From Problem to Solution
• Assess Potential Drawbacks Using a Three-Part Assessment
• Apply a Priority Matrix to Choose Which Activities Support Your Decision

SECTION THREE

Arranging Your Daily Schedule

• Build a Daily Schedule That Includes Your Most Critical Priorities
• Predict Realistically How Much Time Tasks Will Take
• Tell the Difference Between "Required" and "Optional" Interruptions

Communication Approaches for Managing Disorder

• Clarify What Assertive and Purposeful Communication Means
• Respond Assertively and Strategically When Demands Shift or Clash
• Craft an "I" Statement to Use When Triggered or Facing Difficulty
• Finish Your Work Despite Shifting Circumstances and Chaos

SECTION FOUR

Communication Approaches for Managing Disorder Continued

• Clarify What Assertive and Purposeful Communication Means
• Respond Assertively and Strategically When Demands Shift or Clash
• Craft an "I" Statement to Use When Triggered or Facing Difficulty
• Finish Your Work Despite Shifting Circumstances and Chaos